Morris, Dominik wrap up their first draft

Coach Raheem Morris and general manager Mark Dominik have just wrapped up their respective press conferences to wrap up the day here at One Buc Place.

They both made it clear that third-round choice DT Roy Miller of Texas and DE Kyle Moore of USC will play immediately. Miller, according to Morris, is someone the team envisions as a run stuffer who can step into the rotation right away and even challenge for a starting job. Dominik stressed Miller's status as a team captain, saying the Bucs, too, will benefit from his leadership qualities.

Regarding Moore, Morris and Dominik both envision him as someone who can immediately compete with Jimmy Wilkerson for the starting left defensive end role. Dominik seemed to close the door, at least for now, on re-signing last year's starter, Kevin Carter.

It's clear there will be a approach to the defensive line, with the lone exception likely to be right defensive end. That's where Gaines Adams will continue to be the starter. He'll also continue to see some time at left defensive end in passing situations with Greg White coming into rush the quarterback, Dominik indicated.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the Bucs did not draft a linebacker in this draft despite releasing Derrick Brooks and Cato June in February. Asked whether he felt comfortable with the current group, Dominik was unequivocal. He said it's unlikely the team will look to tinker with its linebacker lineup in a major way. The only exception is likely to be the addition of a rookie free agent.

The Bucs also are likely to add a rookie free agent quarterback, though that move should be viewed with some perspective. That quarterback is going to mostly be used as competition for next weekend's rookie minicamp as Josh Freeman is currently the only passer scheduled to participate. The Bucs will add a prospect to give Freeman some relief but also will have a chance to evaluate a player with some potential in the process.

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